"A lot of people are scared of surfing. Yeah, there are sharks, but most of the time they're not actually around to attack you," says 20-year-old Alessa Quizon. We'll take her word for it: A World Championship Tour rookie, Alessa's got bravery in spades (10-foot waves? Bring 'em on). Add to that to rock-solid determination, a lifelong love affair with the ocean, and a clear sense of self, and you've got one badass beauty rockin' the waves.

A Makaha, Hawaii native, Alessa took to the surf when she was just four years old. "My sister is 10 years older than me and she was going the professional route. I wanted to be just like her," Alessa explains. At 10, she won her first contest, and at 12, Billabong became her sponsor…she's been with them ever since. "They've given me the biggest opportunity to follow my dreams," she says gratefully. And what are those dreams, exactly? To win a world surfing title, of course. Thanks to her dedication and sheer talent, Alessa is well on her way.

This dream goes back to before she ever stepped on a board…and while it's clear that surfing brings her joy, she also recognizes that it's her job to keep paddling out. "My office is the ocean, so I go every single day," she says (um, color us jealous). The waves have also been her classroom, and sometimes even her teacher…as well a fixture of her life that have forced her to make tough choices.

Going after your dreams isn't always easy, she admits. "One thing that was really tough for me growing up and wanting to be a professional surfer was managing it along with school," Alessa says. She ended up forfeiting the traditional graduation route and getting her GED instead so she could dedicate her time to pursuing her sport. Luckily, it paid off: She made her decision just in time to participate in the Billabong World Juniors in Australia, and ended up winning the entire event. "Surfing has taught me that if you want something, you have to commit 100%," she says. Amen, sister.

Anyone who willingly hops on a 10-foot wave seems like someone who can dust herself off after a disappointment, and Alessa was basically born with fins…but that doesn't mean her eagerness to tackle those beasts came naturally. Another life lesson learned on the waves? Failure is essential to growth. "This is my first year on the Women's World Championship Tour. I haven't gotten fully adjusted yet," she admits. "I've learned I just need to look past my mistakes and try again."

We obviously had to ask about her secret sauce for her courage. "You just have to be brave," she told us. But in Alessa-land, bravery means more than being willing to head out into shark-infested waters (although we definitely think that's awe-inspiring). Her brand of brave also includes being smart, patient, and dedicated to pursuing your passion. "I don't just throw myself into a wave and let myself get pounded," she shares. "I'll study it, because it's all about preparation. Then, when I feel like I can handle the wave, I throw myself out there."

Another thing she throws herself into? Instagram! Alessa has amassed adoring fans thanks to her jaw-droppingly gorgeous beach and surf action shots. As soon as the app comes up in conversation, she gets excited. "At first I didn't get it, but my friend made an account for me and now I love it," she gushes. To her, Instagram is more than just a digital scrapbook; it's the perfect platform to be a role model—and even get the occasional self-esteem boost. "Sometimes I'll have a really bad day and then I'll see someone comment on my pictures that I've helped them become a better surfer. Nothing in the world can make me feel that great," she says.

It will come as no surprise that Alessa is changing the surfing game for women in the sport. "Finally, people in the industry are starting to realize girls can surf, too. We're getting the respect we deserve," she says proudly. Proof? Women's prize money has increased and organizers have added more venues to women's tours. As part of the new guard, it's on Alessa to help prove to people that women can catch waves with the best of them…and needless to say, she's up for the challenge. "My biggest motivation is that I can't ever give up on something I tried so hard for. Surfing is my life," she says. "When you want something that badly, you just have to go for it."